LENOIR HEALTHCARE CENTER
LOCATED: 322 NUWAY CIRCLE, LENOIR, NC 28645
LENOIR HEALTHCARE CENTER was recently cited by the DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES for the following deficiencies:
PLEASE NOTE: The following highlighted quoted text is only a portion of the full report/survey. The full report/survey can be found here.

THE FACILITY FAILED TO NOTIFY THE RESIDENT’S PHYSICIAN WHEN A RESIDENT EXPERIENCED A PHYSICAL CHANGE IN CONDITION WHICH REQUIRED HOSPITALIZATION

Level of harm – Actual Harm

Based on record review and resident and staff interviews the facility failed to notify the resident’s physician and responsible party when a resident experienced a physical change in condition which required hospitalization for one of one resident reviewed for a change in condition.

Continuing: Resident #1 as being cognitively intact. The MDS further indicated Resident #1 required oxygen therapy. Nurses’ notes dated 05/18/14 at 7:08 AM written by Nurse #1 revealed Resident #1 was coughing up bloody mucous phlegm. Resident was crying stating she was going to die if she didn’t get to the hospital.

Continuing: Based on record review and resident and staff interviews the facility failed to implement medical intervention and initiate emergency medical service for a resident who was coughing up blood and was short of breath

Continuing: 06/09/14 at 2:42 PM an interview was conducted with Resident #1. Resident #1 stated when she went to the hospital on the morning of 05/18/14 she was coughing up blood and was very short of breath. She stated she felt as if she was going to die. She reported to Nurse #1 she felt like she was going to die if she did not get to the hospital. She told the nurse she was short of breath and coughing up blood at around 5:00 to 5:30 AM. Resident #1 stated Nurse #1 did nothing to help her and told her she would have to wait until after breakfast before she could be sent to the hospital. Resident #1 stated the nurse did not call her doctor or family regarding her change in condition. Resident #1 stated she called her family member with the help of Nursing Assistant #1. Resident #1 stated she told her family member she was dying and needed to get to the hospital. Resident #1 further stated her family member came to the facility and insisted she go to the hospital.

Continuing: Nurse #1 confirmed she did not provide medical intervention for the resident when she was coughing up blood including contacting the physician.

Continuing: The DON stated it was her expectation for Nurse #1 to have called the family and the resident’s doctor because Resident #1 was coughing up blood
which was a change in her condition.

Personal Note from NHAA Advocates: NHAA shares with all the families of loved ones who are confined to nursing homes the pain and anguish of putting them in the care of someone else. We expect our loved ones to be treated with dignity and honor in the homes we place them. We cannot emphasize enough to family members of nursing home residents; frequent visits are essential to our loved ones’ well-being and safety. This nursing home and many others across the country are cited for abuse and neglect.

You can make a difference. If you have a loved one living in this nursing home or any other nursing home where you suspect any form of abuse or neglect, contact us immediately. We can help you file a state complaint, hire a specialized nursing home attorney or help you find a more suitable location for your loved one.

Contact us through our CONTACT FORM located on our website here or call our toll free hot line number: 1-800-645-5262

You can make a difference even if your loved one has already passed away.